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2018 MexTrek #8, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

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First Name
Peter
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Shaddock
Mextrek 8, Oct 20 - 23rd, is just around the corner. 50 riders signed up as of Sept 15th, and 35 staying for the epic 5 day afterparty V 2.0 in Real De Catorce, Tula, and Ciudad Victoria!!

Register Here: https://goo.gl/forms/LCeQfuDOFrByy0DT2 , then send $25 or $50 paypal payment to mextrekadv@gmail.com to complete your reservation. I'll add you to a list of riders, updated every so often, and you will start getting updates on the ride via email.

NEW REQUIREMENT 2018: ALL RIDERS **ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO ** PURCHASE A $28.00 BAOFENG UV5-R RADIO (AMAZON) OR EQUIVALENT WITH HEADSET FOR BIKE TO BIKE COMMUNICATION See post #4 for details:

Mextrek #8, 2018, next October 20th to 23rd, 2018. Galeana, Hotel Magdelena

If you are looking at a calendar you may notice this is a Saturday, not a Thursday, departure into Mexico. You read this right. A careful analysis by our team of experts concluded most Texas ADV riders enjoy being in Mexico for more than just 4 days and for 2018 there is a super cool option...the After Party V2.0 (see details below). Mextrek dates are:

Friday, Oct 19th: Optional welcome dinner at Mambo's McAllen 6 to 11 PM

Saturday, Oct 20th:

A group: 7 AM departure with longest / fastest route thru Santiago

B group: 8 AM departure with longer / faster route thru Cienega del Toro

C group: 9 AM departure with shortest route through Rayones

D group: 12 Noon departure for those who can't begin travel to McAllen on Friday. Toll road / all pavement ride to Galeana following our support truck.

Sunday, Oct 21st, Monday Oct 22nd: 2 glorious day rides from Galeana to the nearby wonderful dual sport routes. Riders will self organize into ride groups.

Tuesday, Oct 22nd: Riders will group up and ride back to Mission. Target return 3PM in Mission. Weekday return means shorter lines, both for permit cancellations and border crossings.

AFTER PARTY: Tuesday to Sunday: Galeana, Real de Catorce, Tula, Ciudad de Victoria. See post #2.



I have dedicated the next 9 posts for updates on:

1. After Party
2. Attendees + After Party
3. Communications
4. GpS
5. Lodging
6. Border Safety
7. Permitting / Visa
8. Insurance, Medivac, Spot
9. Prior trip planning and reports

A few pics from Mextrek #7:

Thursday: Group picture in, on Thursday, slow group, first to arrive, LOL.
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Thursday: High above Rayones:
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Thursday: Cienega Del Toro Snack and tire change:
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Friday: Road of Death:
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Friday: Road of Death:
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Friday: Road of Death:
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Friday: Road of Death:
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Friday: 3rd floor balcony hotel view:
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Saturday Laguna de Sanchez:
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Saturday: River Walk
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Saturday: Overlooking Galeana at Radio Tower
20180616_170613-X2.jpg


Saturday: Framing our Ride HQ, a selfie I will show my grandkids:
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Sunday: Peter near Cassillas on Gold Standard:
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Sunday: Parque National
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Sunday: Parque National
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Sunday: Parque National
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Sunday: Parque National, KTM 450 looking fit and ready
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Sunday: Parque National, Everett and his 90 lb backpack:
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Sunday: Curtis in Laguna De Sanchez eating Elotes
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Sunday: Peter driving down the canyon to Colla De Caballo:
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Monday: Me and Donkey Punch at the falls:
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Monday: Stuntman Jeff exploring a 5 star beer garden in Santiago
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Monday: Valet Parking in Santiago, WUT???
20180618_182214-X2.jpg


Monday: Santiago Church on Square
20180618_185111-X2.jpg
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

After Party V2.0:

(intermediate level riders, dirt tires, with reasonable ride pace, only for intrepid explorers - must be approved by the 2017 ride group:

We had a blast with 18 riders staying over in 2017. We wrapped up the trip with an extra day in Galeana, one night at El Salto Waterfall, 2 nights in Real de Catorce for Day of the Dead, and a night on the town in Monterrey.

2018 Planning:

Revised itinerary - email sent to all participants:

Tuesday night: Galeana 35 riders

Wednesday Night: Real De Catorce 33 riders

Thursday Night: Real de Catorce 33 riders

Friday night: Santiago 24 riders

Saturday Night: Santiago 22 riders

Sunday: Most head home. 8 remaining TBD Monterrey Antigua District for Sunday and Monday nights.
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

50 Riders signed up!!!! 34 for the After Party.

Attendees (name, handle). Registered ($ = Paid) Riders:

$ Sean S Kodiyak - After Party
$ Paul N Doubledoc- After Party
$ Mark P - After Party
$ Justine B - After party
NOT PAID Ken M - After Party - Awaiting Payment and after party deposit
NOT PAID Brandon M - After Party - Awaiting Payment and after party deposit
$ Shai L - Tentative AP
$ Chad K - After Party
$ Peter VW - After Party
$ David B - After Party
$ James B - Tentative AP
$ Casey C - Tentative AP
$ Kris S - After Party
$ Gabe H - After Party
NOT PAID Michael H - After Party - Awaiting Payment and after party deposit
$ Scott E - After Party
$ Staton S - After Party
$ Reagan E - After Party
$ Mitja P - NO AP (fast fact - Mitja was my first friend as a child, age 2.5 or so!!!!)
$ Curtis J - After Party
$ Greg H - After party
$ Jerry G - After party
$ Jerry M - NO AP
$ Mel T - Tentative AP
$ Nick H - After Party
$ Karl B - NO AP
$ John P - After Party
$ Michael M - After Party
$ Dao H - After Party - credit from 2017
$ John J - Tentative AP
$ Jeff C - After Party
$ Bill F BillF - Tentative AP
$ Nick M - AP
$ Jared S Jared - Tentative AP
$ Jeff C TossingLead - AP
$ John JP C 61Rover - AP
$ Wade R Wader - AP
$ Peter G ExphiveOh - Tentative AP
$ Michael P oddfellow - AP
NOT PAID Peggy W Shortyp - Tentative AP
NOT PAID Bob W Scribe



Our "Staff":

Peter Shaddock Shadman - Slow Group 60 MPH pavement. Slow to get rolling too. Noon sounds about right...

IMG-20180613-WA0024-L.jpg


John Thompson JT (aka'd as JT) - ** OUT - FOOT INJURY ** Exploration Guide - Always new and unknown rides ending after sunset. Knows every Mexico trail in depth. Has a nice sweet aura, ugh, aroma?

IMG_1670-X3.jpg


Sid Shaddock Sidshaddock - Fun, fast, ridiculous. You might get lost, but at Mach 3 it won't be for long, and something crazy will undoubtably happen. And girls.

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$ Mark Winer Subcomm - Fast expert group leader. Hollywood double for John Travolta. Just don't ask him, he's a sensitive stuntman.

11058208_1551666828418072_8148774942151194952_n-L.jpg


Thomas Mangold ThomasM - All smiles, moderate pace, expect paparazzi to follow. When not on his little CRF, he rides a GS12. "Psssst, Peter, It's a GS-A 1200"

14729106_10210257082117996_7298638247055270862_n-L.jpg


$ Steve M Fang - Wilderness EMT Support, shouts "Tequila" randomly when sober, crashes often just to show you it can be done with poise and grace.

steve%20fang-L.jpg
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

Communications: If you plan to come to Mextrek we really really really really hope you to come with a radio, its charger, and if you want to...some type of speaker or ear piece in your helmet. Amazon is your friend on this one:

Basic radio: 4 watt / 1 watt: UV-5R V2 About $25, includes charger and earpiece. Programming cable not required.

Extra power model (NEW): 8 watt high power: BF-F9 V2 About $36 - 38 (Recommended radio for 2018 ride). Same as UV-5R otherwise

With varying degrees of success we utilized the mighty Baofeng UV5-R radios on Mextrek 2017. They are amazing. The feeling of security a ride leader has when he also has a designated sweep with radio is amazing. And when everyone on a group is equipped the ride leader has the ability to tailor speed as requested, assess difficulty of terrain on slower riders, point out side tracks and stops for items of interest. In short, communication while riding in a group is a whole new realm of riding connected. I'll do my best to lay out the little info I know on radios and add points as others chime in:

Basic: $25 radio, supplied headset: One ear in helmet has speaker. Microphone is clipped to chin bar. Talking is accomplished by pressing the push to talk button on microphone or on side of radio.

Pros: Cheap, easy, worked for me last year.

Cons: Hard to talk and ride. Sound clarity at speed lacking. One ear aches a lot. No earplug in that ear. Radio has to be charged every 10 hours or so.

Basic with push to talk: $25 radio, motorcycle mounted, handlebar mounted switch $25 , upgraded headset $25

Pros: Motorcycle can power radio. Talking is possible with both hands on bars. Increased sound clarity. Able to broadcast at highway speeds.

Cons: Riders becomes attached to bike with headphone cable

Full shebang: $25 radio. Push to talk button $25 Sena SMH10 bluetooth headset $160 Sena SR10 bluetooth 2 way transmitter $195 Baofeng to Sena cable $20

Pros: Hands and cable free 2 way communication using push to talk button on handlebar. Sena transmitter can also route music from your phone and GPS audio from your garmin, all seamlessly. So you are free to jam tunes, get turn by turn directions, and talk to everyone on e the ride with both hands on the bars.

Cons: $$$$$$$$$$$$$, charging up every night (10 hours max use), becoming "that guy", Sena not staying affixed to helmet mount, potential for crash damage

FYI, Cyclegear has a nice flip open and closed face helmet line that they often discount to $225 for an EU certified helmet with built in Sena Bluetooth. Not full Sena 10 capacity, but with software upgrades that make it work seamlessly like a Sena 10 it is actually a Sena unit, just an older style. 10 hour battery life.
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

GPS Tracks / Guidebooks:

If you haven't done so already please order one of Richard's awesome guidebooks and topo maps for the low price of $25. You order directly through Richard via PM on this forum: TrailBoss is his username.

You get info, general info, specific info, tips, maps, route descriptions with small maps, pictures, and all sorts of warm fuzzies and fuzzy mink glove good feelings after taking a day or two to fully digest the content.

And the rides in the linked GPX files match up to the rides in the guidebook perfectly, so there is very little guesswork deciding which routes to take.

And a little pro tip....downloading google earth onto your PC will allow you to preview a GPX file and see in great detail the route, topography, etc... if you are the type to preview what you are going to ride. Email with actual GPX files is going out to all registered participants in 3...2...1....

http://www.texasadventure.net/mextrekgpsroutes/

Thanks Richard for all the work on these files and the guidebook. They are awesome!!!!

Roamer worked on GPS tracks in 2017 prep. He writes:

• I created a MexTrek 2017 event in RideWithGPS and added the GPX files to the event (first link).

• You can make the routes available for offline use on the RideWithGPS iPhone/Android app - second link has instructions on how to do this.

• You might also consider downloading a map of the Galeana region for use when internet (cell access) is not available (third link).

If you find all this bewildering, let me know and I'll do my best to help.

Edit: The helpful folks at RideWithGPS explained how to add a cuesheet with turn-by-turn instructions to each of the files. You might want to wait a few days for me to get this done before downloading for offline use.

https://ridewithgps.com/events/43513-mextrek-2017

https://ridewithgps.com/help/offline-maps-iphone

https://support.google.com/maps/answ...rm=iOS&hl=en
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

Lodging Updates:

Book your own rooms in Mission. Rate is $67 or so, and you can sleep 4 in a room. It is a nice hotel and having a room there on Friday night ensures you'll have free and secure truck and trailer parking while in Mexico.

Clarion Inn 3700 Plantation Grove Blvd, Mission, TX 78572 Phone: (956) 519-9696


In Galeana: (We will book the entire hotel 3 months in advance. All individual bookings will be thrown out the window). Unless 100 riders show up there will be plenty of single occupancy rooms available. If you snore, it doesn't matter, the dogs can out-bark any snorer.

Mextrek Ride Headquarters: Hotel Magdelana. On the main square in Galeana. 52 beds.

Alternate hotel: Hotel Jardin ( 3 doors down from Magdelena). 32 beds.


After Party 2.0:

All lodgings will be booked for the group in bulk. Only consideration is if you want single occupancy.
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

Permit Information:

Personal Visa (FMM): 7 or 180 day. 7 is free. 180 costs $36. If staying over 7, or unsure, get 180 days.

Motorcycle TVIP: AKA, Permit for bike. Must have valid registration in your name (wife / mom / sister doesn't count...do a family title, transfer $5, with state of TX), no lien or lease, with license plate # matching what is on the bike. Pay $40 fee and $200 - $400 deposit. Check out when you leave Mexico and get $200 - $400 deposit back.

Where: If you are the cautious type, get your TVIP and Visa in advance at the Austin or Houston consulate / Banjercito office. If you have time to get it the day before Mextrek at the border (office closes at 10PM) you can do it at Anzualdas Crossing (2 miles away) or 24 hours at McAllen crossing (10 miles away). Worst case, skip breakfast and get it at 6:30 AM the border office.

Caution: If you get it in advance and don't make the trip you will have to cancel it before the date it comes into effect at the office you got it from. Otherwise you'll have to make the trek to the border at some point to have it cancelled, as if you made the trip.

Duh: One bike per rider. No truck and trailer if the bike gets a TVIP. Without a TVIP you likely will not make it through the trip without some hassle, threat of bike impounding, bribes paid, and mental anguish, although it is possible.
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

Insurance:

Mzungu writes: Well, this is not a "how-to" but "how I do" as everyone's requirements are different. In summary:

- Baja Bound for motorcycle damage and liability
- Ripcord to get me from a point of injury or crime to a hospital and for "get me in the door for treatment" assistance
- MedJetAssist to get me from remote hospital to my US hospital

There are other companies that are a good or not so good fit for me for this trip. Please research those and decide for yourself.

I've previously booked a policies with MedJet Assist on motorcycle trips and for hunting dangerous game on safari in Africa and in remote Alaska regions -- I thought MedJet would come to me in the field - they do not. I finally read the policy.

There is little in overlap in coverage (which can cause a catch-22 resulting in no coverage at all when coverage overlaps between two or more companies as the insurance companies point at each other and say "you first").

Here's a good article:
https://expeditionportal.com/buyers-...tion-services/

Medivac Insurance:

Tricepilot writes: The short, technical answer is that MedJet air evac insurance is purchased separately BUT air evac insurance is included with most policies underwritted by MexAdventure. The following quote is from my Guide to Riding Mexico on Adventure Rider:

"Mexadventure advertises: "Medical Evacuation Insurance and Plane Tickets Home are automatically included with our Mexican auto insurance policies"!

FAQ: So, why bother with the extra expense of MedJet?

Answer: If you need medical air evacuation, go with the pros whose job it is full time. Based in Atlanta, experienced on a daily basis doing this, always on their "A" game. When Whiskeysmith crashed in Mexico, and was hospitalized in Parral, we thought he had MedJet but all he had was Mexadventure's "Platinum" coverage which appeared to offer medical extraction as a bonus. I was on the phone with their rep all night long as was told to "call back tomorrow" - and this was a Spanish speaking operator in Mexico City. You want that when you are in a tough bind? I don't. Don't get me wrong, I've been with Mexadventure for years, and always go back to them. But I consider medical extraction by air the same way I do a parachute: you want some extra, seldom used, old model lying around the back of the hangar on your back when you jump? Or do you want the state-of-the-art, tested frequently, highly rated rig on the other end of the line when you pull the coord? Your body - Your money - Your choice."

Spot (and other) Emergency Locators:
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

In and deposit money sent. Thanks Peter!
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

I’m in!
(What happened to “early spring”? I’m not sure I can wait till Oct :) )

EDIT FROM SHADMAN, we had Mextrek #7 in June. it was amazing!!!
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

put me and brandon on the list for all of the above please.
later taters,
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

AAaaargh.....That's Austin Formula 1 weekend. Dang it!!! How disappointing.

I REALLY wanted to do this again. Maybe I'll be able to tag along with another group going at a different time.
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

AAaaargh.....That's Austin Formula 1 weekend. Dang it!!! How disappointing.

I REALLY wanted to do this again. Maybe I'll be able to tag along with another group going at a different time.

I have to alternate between F1 / Harvest Classic weekend and Halloween to be fair to gearheads and families alike.:giveup:

However, you can still come Monday after F1 and stay thru Sunday with the After Party 2.0 and get your fill!
 
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Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

There's gonna be an early spring trip, but it won't be a Mextrek...that's the October event's official name.

P

I'm definitely looking forward to hearing about this one then.

I have to alternate between F1 / Harvest Classic weekend and Halloween to be fair to gearheads and families alike.:giveup:

However, you can still come Monday after F1 and stay thru Sunday with the After Party 2.0 and get your fill!

I already thought about that possibility. I'd need to find some like-minded folks as I'd prefer to travel across Mexico with at least one riding partner.
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

In and registered and paid.

I’ll also be doing a trip to other parts of Mexico after 4/15/18. Not sure exactly when or what it’ll be called but keep an eye out for a post or PM or text me if you’re interested in a small group ride for 6-15 days in the 4/15-5/15 time frame.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

In and registered and paid.

I’ll also be doing a trip to other parts of Mexico after 4/15/18. Not sure exactly when or what it’ll be called but keep an eye out for a post or PM or text me if you’re interested in a small group ride for 6-15 days in the 4/15-5/15 time frame.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Maybe we should overlap since that is the time frame I was thinking for an exploratory / smaller / longer / activity filled ride?
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

Maybe we should overlap since that is the time frame I was thinking for an exploratory / smaller / longer / activity filled ride?

Definitely. Let’s plan it.
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

But of course, I'm in. I wouldn't miss it. I'll probably do at least some of the after ride. I want to ride through Huasteca Canyon.
 
Re: 2018 MexTrek #7, Oct 20th - 23rd 2018

But of course, I'm in. I wouldn't miss it. I'll probably do at least some of the after ride. I want to ride through Huasteca Canyon.

Been waitin for you to chime in. sounds like fun
 
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